More Lyoto Machida

Biography

TRAINING: When I am about 2 months away from fighting, I try to relax as much as possible. I do my strength and conditioning work in the morning. After working out, I move on to training my groundwork with my brother, this includes ground and pound and submissions. In the afternoon I train Karate techniques with my father and brothers. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays I spar with local sparring partners. This sparring is what resembles most a real fight.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training Karate at the age of 3. I started training to fight MMA at the age of 17. I always wanted to fight MMA professionally.

What ranks and titles have you held? Former UFC light heavyweight champion. Karate: Brazilian Champion twice, and 2nd in South American Championship. Black Belt in Shotokan karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Do you have any heroes? My Father

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I want to get to the top of the UFC. My Dad always taught me to strive to be the best, and that’s what I plan to do in the UFC. It’s a great honor to fight in this event.Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? None

What was your job before you started fighting? I taught and competed in Karate

• Embraced by many as a real-life “Karate Kid” because he has trained in Shotokan Karate since he was 3 or 4 years old under his father, Shinzo; Is one of the few modern-day UFC fighters to lean heavily on his Karate skills and produce excellent results.

• One of the secrets of his success: Named one of the 10 most superstitious athletes by Men's Fitness mag; Proudly admits to using "urine therapy," which entails drinking his own urine every morning. "It makes me superfit," he told Men's Fitness magazine. "It's something I learned from my father when I was young. It really strengthens my immune system."

• "Karate's Back!": Machida's impromptu declaration after winning the UFC title by knocking out Rashad Evans on May 23, 2009. The now ex-champ is renowned for his unique counter-striking style, which sees him mystify opponents and rarely get hit (Mauricio "Shogun" Rua being the obvious exception), possess extraordinary timing and accurarcy with his punches, and showcase top-notch takedown defense and Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills.

• Regularly meditates

• Leaving No Stone Unturned: Has trained and studied sumo as well, perhaps the only elite UFC fighter to do so